The Magazine

The Brain: Humanity's Other Basic Instinct: Math

New research suggests that math has evolved its way right into our neurons—and monkeys', too.

Nov 17, 2009 6:00 AMJun 29, 2023 2:51 PM

Numbers make modern life possible. “In a world without numbers,” University of Rochester neuroscientist Jessica Cantlon and her colleagues recently observed in the journal

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

0 free articles left

Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

0 free articlesSubscribe

Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Already a subscriber?

Stay Curious

View our Privacy Policy

Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover

Planet Earth

The Way Parasitoid Wasps Lay Their Eggs Has Inspired Horror Films

Planet Earth

Some Baby Squids Can Go From Hatchling to Adult in Mere Hours

Environment

Climate Change Threatens Global Milk Supply, Even On Cooled Dairy Farms

Planet Earth

"Great" May Be Gone From the Name, But These 10 White Shark Facts Are Pretty Killer

Planet Earth

Yellowstone Bison Meets Tragic End at Hot Spring, Showing the Danger of Hydrothermal Features

Planet Earth

Some Killer Whales Share Their Lunch with Humans, and May be Trying to Build Relationships

Stay Curious

Join

Our List

View our privacy policy

To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

The Magazine About Discover Privacy Policy Subscribe Advertise Newsletter Terms of Use Customer Service Contact Copyright Policy Correction Policy Our Staff Transparency

Website Accessibility